Ex-Fifa official slams ‘unacceptable’ Premier League as Liverpool apology revealed
It is “unacceptable” for the Premier League to keep Liverpool and the other 19 clubs waiting to know when their fixtures take place.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the Premier League apologised to the 20 clubs when announcing the broadcast picks for January.
They confirmed earlier this month (16 November) the games that had been moved at the request of broadcasters – a month later than they originally intended to.
Liverpool have seen their home game with Chelsea (21 January 2023) moved from 3pm to a 12:30pm kick-off.
“There’s clearly a debate that takes place between the broadcasters in the television deal and the selection process,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Sky, Amazon or BT, whoever it is have the ability in a debate to say ‘We want that match’. It could well be that scenario rather than the Premier League.
“The Premier League may be waiting for Sky and their eyes may have been taken off the ball with the amount of work that is involved in the game as a whole. Sky have got plenty of time on their hands because they’re not covering the World Cup.
“It’s a bit surprising, amazing. I think it’s relatively easy for the Premier League to post and stick to when the programmes are going to be published.
“Clearly, with it being a month late, is unacceptable in any business.”
Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League this season after 14 games.
They return to top-flight action on Boxing Day when they travel to Aston Villa.
In other news, there has been a major Liverpool takeover update after an “approach” from Mukesh Ambani.